Southern Select Properties REALTORS® are ready to work for our homebuyers in North Georgia from the beginning to the end of your home or land purchase.
Buyer representation is important when buying a home in North Georgia, as a home purchase is one of the largest financial commitments most of us make. Savvy buyers should take steps to protect themselves in this process, and hiring a REALTOR® that can be held accountable to the highest standards in our profession makes perfect sense.
Our goal at Southern Select Properties is to provide our buyers with experienced representation through the entire process, start to finish so that you know you are our top priority.
Steps in our Purchasing Process
- Buyer determines when it is time to purchase a home or property
- Choose a Realtor with Southern Select Properties
- Contact a Mortgage Lender to begin the application process, obtain approval and determine the price range and affordability of the purchase of your new home. Your Realtor can help with this.
- Set goals regarding the timeline of purchase and buyers desires and needs of the type of home/property to purchase
- Start your home search through Southern Select Properties online home finder and other assistance from your Realtor
- Schedule appointments with your Realtor to preview homes/property which meet your criteria
- Once a home is selected, meet with your Realtor to prepare an offer
- Your Southern Select Properties Realtor will negotiate on your behalf
- Contract accepted by the seller
- Buyers due diligence process begins
- Your Southern Select Properties Realtor coordinates inspections
- Buyer works with Mortgage Lender
- Your North Georgia Realtor communicates with all parties to assure timelines are met and all contingencies are removed
- Closing date is scheduled with all parties
- Utility services are applied for and transferred by buyer(s)
- Final walk-through/inspection of home with Southern Select Properties agent
- Closing with buyer and seller as well as their Realtors and attornies
- Congratulations! You are the new owner of a home in North Georgia!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Buyer(s) Agent?
It is very important to have an Agent represent you in the Buying process of a property. If you call the listing agent he/she is representing the Seller(s). Their obligation is to perform their duties to their Seller(s) not you the Buyer(s). A Buyer(s) agent works for you, the Buyer(s), not the Seller(s).
If I obtain a Buyer(s) Agent do I pay them?
It depends…..Georgia law requires a Buyer’s Brokerage Agreement between the Buyer(s) and Agent. This agreement specifically details the scenario of everyone’s responsibility and compensation.
Who pays the commission to the Seller’s agent and the Buyer’s agent?
In most cases, the Seller(s) negotiates compensation with their listing agent at the time of placing their home/property on the market. The listing agent shares compensation with an agent that brings them a willing and able Buyer(s).
If I don’t want to waste my Agent’s time; may I call the listing agent from the sign in the yard?
It is best to have your Agent call for the information. Jot the address down and let your Agent know you are interested in a specific property so he/she may do their job. If you, the Buyer(s), call the listing agent direct to inquiry; inform the listing agent that you are represented by an Agent and he/she will be contacting them if you decide to pursue the property.
Why do I need to be pre-qualified before I view properties with a Buyer’s Agent?
Unless you have cash to purchase; a Buyer’s Agent needs to know the dollar amount the financial institution/mortgage lender has approved you to obtain a mortgage to purchase the property. This allows the agent to do their job and guide you through the process of viewing affordable homes/properties that meet your financial desires and needs. In submitting offers to purchase on your behalf; a pre-qualified letter from a financial institution/mortgage lender is required to be submitted with the offer to purchase. Cash offers also require proof of funds when making an offer to purchase.
What happens if I see a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sign on a property that I may be interested in?
Call your Agent and let her contact the owner. Your Agent is working for you and will make contact with the Seller to obtain the information and schedule the appointment to view the property as you will want professional representation.